“The little boy had an interesting choice. He’d been given a marshmallow, a sweet treat he really enjoyed. Then he was told that he could eat it right away or, if he would refrain from eating it, he would be given an extra one to eat. To receive a second marshmallow, all he had to do was wait a few minutes. What choice would he make? What choice would you make?” (source)

This is the marshmallow experiment unfortunately I don’t know if I passed it as a kid. Marshmallows are just  yummy treats.  If you’re familiar to it the experiment is about delayed gratification.  The longer one waits, the better the reward. People who loves instant gratification has poor impulse control. It is also a test for the emotional intelligence. I believe this test are for kids only because as adults one has more conscious and control of things.

I’m applying the marshmallow experiment right now in my life. I don’t know if what I’m doing is delayed gratification or just simply self-deprivation. You see I’ve been itching to go shopping and travelling. Unfortunately school’s in the way and I told myself I would reward myself if I finish a case requirement or after when I graduate. Is this motivation for me? Partly. Actually this condition helps me more to save money. Whenever I see clothes or shoes that I like, I would tell myself I can only shop after when I finish school. Or when I see very cheap travel packages in the newspaper, I can only go when I’m done with school. Uggghh…I’m getting antsy! I’ve become more of a hermit with no social life and no shopping life.  I think I’m actually punishing myself instead of being positive about future rewards. Oh well…For sure I  can look forward to enjoying my reaping my rewards later when I’ve reached my goal.

Delayed gratification, ok. But can I have a marshmallow instead?

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